From the President
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Celebrating Research
Throughout its history, Oklahoma State University has profoundly touched countless lives through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and service, or extension. This issue of STATE focuses on research.
Across all disciplines, OSU researchers and students are exploring, questioning and discovering. They are pursuing the ideas and knowledge that are helping shape our world. For many students the pursuit begins early, thanks to OSU donors.
For example, we are thrilled to be celebrating the 15th year of the Niblack Research Scholars program, funded by OSU alumnus John Niblack and his wife, Heidi. This unique program allows undergraduates to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real-life research. John enjoyed a highly successful career at Pfizer, and we are fortunate he has shared his passion for undergraduate research with the university he loves.
The OSU Research Park west of our Stillwater campus is growing in its reach and impact. In fact, work by OSU physicist Eric Benton at the Venture 1 facility has reached outer space. Dr. Benton developed a monitoring device to study the kinds and levels of radiation astronauts experience on the International Space Station.
Back on Earth, you can learn more about important work OSU is doing to combat human health issues.
The OSU Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases received an $11.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop vaccines and drugs for a multitude of respiratory diseases that sicken millions. In Tulsa, the OSU Center for Health Sciences has organized a major initiative to battle opioid addiction.
Finally, this issue includes a profile on Ruth Spivey, the first woman to earn an electrical engineering degree at OSU (then Oklahoma A&M) in 1945. Ruth enjoyed a long career at the U.S. Department of Defense. She lives in Texas today and remains a huge OSU fan.
The semester is winding down. We hope you were able to return to campus for Homecoming or another event this fall.
First Cowgirl Ann and I wish you happy and healthy holidays and a Happy New Year!
Go Pokes!
Burns Hargis
OSU President